I rarely write about kid fashion.
This little spot on Fridays is generally all about women’s fashion.
But a lot of us women are raising girls who will turn into women WHO NEED TO KNOW HOW TO DRESS!
How can they ever learn if no one is producing attractive, stylish and APPROPRIATE clothing for tween girls?
They can’t.
My friend on Facebook this week posted where to find cute but modest swimsuits for girls. If you’re dressing girls size 6 and below, you are golden. I know. I once was you. But if you’re dressing girls after size 7, you are HOSED. But if you think swimwear is bad, it’s 10 times worse to find clothes (especially bottoms).
My hiccup for little bit is she is long and lean. It’s a lovely life problem to have, but it’s impossible if you want to find skorts long enough.
So after seeing this Facebook post, and having just gone through the ringer to find things to fit little bit for summer, I thought I’d share what I’ve found. There are some surprises.
Biggest Surprise: Justice. I never enter Justice because the stuff looks flimsy and too grown up. Not this season. Sure there’s still flimsy, but boy have they expanded their modest options. I was particularly shocked because I’d just left the Hanna Anderson store which came highly recommended, and everything was itty-bitty.
We are big fans of tankinis. L can’t find one pieces that fit right. We bought this adorable watermelon one but they have mermaids and emojis and all sorts of adorable tankinis. And look how long the tank is! Not only that, they have LONG shorts and long-er skirts (still would love two more inches in the skorts). Style them with a cute reversible sequin tee which L loved and bright tennies or sandals and she’s cool but still covered.
Biggest Stand By: Land’s End. Land’s End has always been a fairly modest go-to. Their suits are still cute – L flipped for this pineapple number with shorts. But I’ve been disappointed as of late at the clothing options. L won’t wear jeans and doesn’t love shorts so we’re regularly stuck in the skort camp (and sometimes leggings with long shirts). I just ordered this one over the holidays and am hoping it comes a bit longer than my last shot. She’s an 8 in the waist but really needs a 10 in the length (although at most places, a 14 in the length still wouldn’t be long enough).
Biggest Wish List: Boden. I love Boden for myself but rarely shop there because it gets pricey quick. Well, it feels even higher when you’re shopping for a kiddo who will grow out of the clothes in no time. But Boden (Mini Boden) has precious pieces for girls – especially summer dresses. L is a fan of rompers, but those are the riskiest because it’s nearly impossible to find them long enough in the leg. She begged for this retro romper, but I’m rooting for one of their comfy t-shirt dresses instead.
Biggest Let Down: Children’s Place. This was my go to spot because of their big stock of skorts and low prices. Lately,quality seems to have fallen off even more and those skorts are getting shorter. There’s still a few items we can use in a pinch, but ever less so. Their long knits and seasonal items still work, like this super cute sundress for the 4th.
Alright tween girl moms, how do you do it? Where do you shop? How do you find things that are cute and still make them look like they’re in elementary school instead of high school!?!?!
I’m a tween mom and it is tough! Target has a style of burmuda shorts with with elastic waist that still works but our go-to is leggings and a long tunic top. We found a couple of swimsuits at Dillards and while pricey, satisfied her “not little girl” fashion and my modesty requirements. We do a lot of hiking and kayaking in the summer, so I stumbled upon Columbia hiking shorts. They are mid length, non-clingy and quick dry – score! I discovered North Face has a similar style. So, the adventure or outdoor stores have been helpful: Dicks, REI, etc.